The late afternoon sun had already sunk just past the line of trees at the beginning of the orchard, leaving long shadows and cooler air in its disappearance. Emma did not feel any of that as he tipped her chin upward and kissed her sweetly there in the queen's personal garden. More than a bit improper given the courting customs of the kingdom, she was happily stealing a few moments alone with him and without a chaperone or half a dozen staff members to interrupt. She hummed, against his lips, pulling herself up against him as his hand trailed up and then down her back again and again.

"You are distracted, my love," he said softly, their breath still mingling between them. "I hope it is not a lack of interest."

She smiled, arching upward to give him a quick but solid kiss before turning several degrees in his arms. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to waste these moments with you. It's just that I am no closer to my decision about the Dark One."

"Ahhh," he said, having not moved his head and kissing the apple of her cheek. "Do you wish to talk about it?"

"I am tired of talking about it. I'm tired of thinking about it." Her hand lifted up and splayed across his chest where his newly repaired coat folded into a collar. "We have so precious little time together that I don't wish to spend it thinking of that man."

"Whatever shall we discuss?" he asked, his lips again coming into contact with the soft skin of her cheek and trailing downward toward her ear and her neck. She sighed and tilted her head to permit him access. As soft and sweet as these moments were, she was longing for more with the pirate. Already in their few days back at the palace, she had thought of sneaking from her suite of rooms to visit Killian. She had not yet succumb to that desire, as she knew it would change things. And she wasn't sure yet that she could give herself over to that without suffering some repercussion. Still he was infinitely patient and kind with her, never pushing too far or too soon.

"Tell me about sailing," she said, not sounding nearly as dreamy as she had when they had talked about other such topics earlier. "Will I see you at all aboard or will you be too busy?"

Nuzzling against the spans of her neck, he grinned. "I will always make time for you, my love. We can't have you and the boy bored. I will give you both lessons should you wish."

She simpered coyly, though his eyes probably didn't catch her expression. "And after he has gone to bed?" she asked. "Do you think we might spend some time together, just the two of us?"

"Oh but that is when the fun begins," he teased, his hand traveling along the bodice dress in aimless exploration. "But we shall have to endeavor to be very quiet. Red will never let us have too much fun."

She tipped her head back toward his, parting her lips slightly as he looked at her with hooded eyes. "I think we will manage that. Though you will have to remind me to be mute. You are very distracting, Killian."

"That is my intent," he said before crashing his lips against hers. How they remained upright was a mystery to both of them, as the press of his lips was more intense and the sensation of gravity overwhelming as she clung to him.

"Princess Emma," voice not wholly unfamiliar to them broke through the reverie. The soft tone belonged to her mother's maid, a stern woman with frizzy hair and a cold disposition unless you were Snow. "Your mother was looking to speak with you."

"Thank you, Miss Evers," Emma answered, her eyes still locked with Killian's amused expression and her fingertips touching her lips lightly. "I…Please tell her I will be there shortly." She frowned as Killian lumbered to his feet and extended a hand toward her that she readily accepted. "Disappointed?"

"You worry that I will be too busy on my ship to attend to showing you how I love you, Emma. You forget that your duties here often take you from me."

"I think I should like your responsibilities better," she bemoaned as she dusted off the green skirts of her gown from any of the grass that might have littered it. She cut her eyes toward him, studying his relaxed expression that seemed to study her with interest. "You must be quite bored here. There is very rarely adventure or intrigue. And when there is, it is my father and his staff who must deal with it."

"I assure you, my love, you provide me enough adventure for a lifetime. I simply wish to be at your side."

Her frown remained, even as he lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles before tucking it into the fold of his arm to walk with her inside. She didn't know for sure what he did all day, as her father met with most of his advisors, consulted a few of the local villagers and merchants, and inspected the grounds, livestock, and armories before nightfall. Even her mother wasn't relegated to needlepoint, as she had taken a larger role in diplomacy and wrote letters to other heads of state and drew upon her knowledge to strike deals through the staff that traveled far and wide.

"I hate that our time alone leaves you with such a frown, my love," he said as they stepped over the stone path to the doors that would lead them inside. "Should I not seek you out? Is the distraction from your duties too much? I can hold myself back until after dinner when your parents have said it would be appropriate for us to take our walk."

It seemed silly that they were only supposed to see each other once a day for a walk about the palace grounds. That was a time for a courting couple to get to know each other, speak of hobbies and passions, and talk in generalities about the future. She knew Killian far too well for such things.

"Don't you dare," she scolded lightly. "I enjoy all the moments, stolen or otherwise."

"Then why do you look so angry at the thought of us being together?" His eyes narrowed at her, blinking against what she could tell was a drop of insecurity.

"It is the opposite," Emma declared, gingerly stepping over a loose stone from the path.

"I dread the hours while you are away from me. Tell me, Killian. What do you do with that time?"

"Lately I have been preparing for our voyage with Queen Elsa," he said nonchalantly. "And prior to that I was with you and your family drawing up plans for the Dark One's demise. I always find something, love."

She curled her fingers around his bicep and squeezed. "It might help if you had a title here. I know you have said you don't wish to lead the navy, but a lesser task perhaps?"

"If it takes me away from you, then I have no use for it." He used the rounded end of his hook to push open the door with a slight shove. "Titles are of very little interest to me unless it is the title of your husband." Emma smiled at his not so veiled insinuation that there was no doubt in his mind they would someday be husband and wife. The thought appealed to her far more than she had imagined.

"It will be far fancier than that, Captain," Snow interjected, her mustard colored gown and interwoven headpiece glowing in the late sun. "Once Emma ascends, you will be prince consort of our kingdom. That is if you marry her. I do apologize for interrupting."

"You wished to see me?" Emma asked, still clutching Killian's arm.

Her mother waved them out of the hallway and into the corridor next to the library where some of the older artwork was on display. "Belle has made a discovery," Snow said, glancing toward the doors to the first floor library where the woman had barricaded herself behind stacks of old texts. "She was reading some of the works about the lore of the Dark One and found a list of previous ones who are now dead."

"There is no way to kill one without becoming it yourself," Killian interjected, his brow furrowed in confusion of what the Queen might be discussing. "He killed that Zoso or whomever and absorbed the powers. Surely you can't be suggesting that Emma kill the Dark One and become one herself."

"No, no," Snow said. "In it she read of the first one, a woman by the name of Nimue. It is said that her lover, Merlin, spent many years searching for a way to drain the darkness from her without destroying her life. He failed, but he was able to make some headway. He's not been seen in quite a long time, but if we could find him…"

"We might could separate Rumpelstiltskin from his darkness and administer and appropriate punishment for him," Emma said thoughtfully. "But if Merlin is as old as this Nimue, how is he still alive?"

"Merlin is a great wizard," Snow told her daughter, her eyes dancing with excitement over making progress. "He was said to be immortal and living in Camelot. Some believe he may have disappeared after failing to return Nimue to her original form."

"So we would have to search for him in Camelot?" Killian pondered. "It is quite a journey from here." Emma had yet to let go of his arm, allowing him to feel the gentle sway and the swish of her skirts against his leg. "I have met sailors and travelers from there, but they are rarely in this part of the realms. And I don't know of any at the moment."

"Lancelot?" Emma asked quietly. "He was from there, was he not?"

"Yes," her mother said, a warm smile filling her face. "He has often been an ally to us. If anyone knows of Camelot's most hidden places, it would be him. If you would wish to go this route, your father could see if he could contact him. They were once great friends and confidants."

Emma nodded, looking toward the doors herself. "She truly wishes for us to spare him."

"She is aware of misdeeds and the torments that he is responsible for over all these years, but she does seem to love him. When you love someone you are able to look past such things sometimes." She frowned. "I hope that she can see clear to accept your decision, Emma."

"I am sure that she can." Emma leaned forward and kissed her mother's cheek. "You and father should contact Lancelot. I am sure that he will set us on the right path to finding this Merlin." She then turned her eyes toward Killian. "Perhaps you might be able to help us travel to this other realm with your ship?"

"Of course, my love. I will be happy to do so." His agreement brought out a widening smile from Emma and a sigh from Snow. "But it will still require preparation. Should we postpone our voyage to return Queen Elsa home?"

"No, that is a priority. You have summoned your crew, have you not? I think that we should not delay that any longer. Elsa's kingdom is at a disadvantage without her there. I would not wish to endanger her people simply to explore this possibility." She turned slightly to face her daughter. "Have you decided if you wish to free Regina of her bonds? I doubt we can stave off her requests much longer."

Emma ran her teeth across her bottom lip. "I would feel better about it if we could keep some of the binding in place," she mused. "Perhaps there is a way to restore her powers but not allow her to take off with Henry."

"I would ask if you really think she would do such a thing, but I fear you already have decided that she would. And I cannot argue that fear, as I have the same." Snow crossed her arms over her chest. "Perhaps you and Elsa could work on that before she leaves. It is worth a try."

***AAA***

Emma's hair, loose about her shoulders, blew upward messily as she dropped a stack of books and papers on the round table that was usually reserved for her father's discussions of battles and plans. She wrinkled her nose at the cloud of dust that accompanied it. She had not planned to be inside all day, as she wanted to go for a ride with Henry and Killian. Yet her father had summoned Killian just that morning and without time for more than a kiss to her cheek he was gone.

"I am quite sure that he must be missing you," Elsa said from the other side of the table. Her long fingers were delicately turning the pages of a volume that looked to be older than her years. "I would think if we opened the door he might be pacing outside waiting to catch a glimpse of you."

Her tone was light as she teased her friend, but there was an underlying question still hanging in the air. Emma had not confided in her friend that Killian had asked her parents for their understanding of the decision to court her. He had sworn he would not ask permission, finding the idea as detestable as she did. Instead he was just informing them that they had intentions to see each other and perhaps consider marriage in the future. Red had been haranguing the princess as well, asking more pointed questions and commenting that she should be informed if she was to be a chaperone on the journey to return Elsa to her kingdom.

"I assure you that he is far too busy to be concerned with me at the moment," Emma said, sitting back in the soft leather chair that seemed too large for her small frame. "We saw each other just last night."

"For a walk about the gardens?" Elsa queried, her eyes dancing over the page with far more enthusiasm than the text required. "Seems that you two have done that quite a bit over the last few nights."

It was true, Emma thought to herself as she reached for a piece of the cheese that the servants had recently brought up for them. She and Elsa had not dallied over breakfast that morning, determined to find some way that they might separate the Dark One from his dagger. While the process would probably be daunting, Emma had concluded that it was the only way to truly receive justice for his crimes and even save Regina from the fate of the binding cuffs.

"I don't understand why we can't just cut the cuffs off her like we did the last time," Emma mused, ignoring the implied tone of the statement about Killian. "Surely it must be a similar spell."

"It is more complicated," Elsa sighed. "I attempted it myself, but there was not even a sliver of the binds that was removed. It seems the Dark One was prepared for such an occurrence. She seems to think that he was preparing to use them on you should you have tried to stop him."

Instinctively Emma reached for her wrist with her left hand and frowned, her brow wrinkling at the thought. "I might be better off if he had. I do not like magic as much as others do. It might do me better not to be cursed with the burden of it."

Not bothering to disagree, Elsa nodded, biting into a slice of apple. She chewed for a moment and then wiped at her mouth with a lace handkerchief. "I do not think that the Captain minds your magic too much. Perhaps he even appreciates it a bit too much." Elsa still did not look up from the page except a quick peek to confirm Emma's cheeks were nearly crimson. "Though I think that there is very little if anything he dislikes about you."

Emma pursed her lips and lowered her shoulders. "Were you this annoying when it came to Anna's courtship with Kristoff?"

"Far worse," Elsa said with a growing smile. "As towering of a man as he is, Kristoff sometimes shook as he spoke to me, afraid I would freeze him on the spot if I found him lacking."

"He must truly love her to put up with you." Emma smiled to herself as she flipped the page. While she was not the type of young royal who spoke in whispers about possible beaus with other blue bloods, she was eager to know that her dearest friends approved of her and Killian's relationship. It would make things easier going forward if people not only accepted but were supportive. She was already contemplating just how long of a courtship would be necessary, as she wasn't really wanting to spend all her time with him on quiet walks about the palace grounds or in the company of her parents for dinners.

"Speaking of…" Elsa dropped the page she was about to turn and finally caught Emma's eyes with her own. "If you can't speak to your childhood friend about your beau, then who can you trust?"

Trying not to smile in return, Emma breathed in sharply through her nose. "He informed my parents of his intention to court me."

The normally stoic queen slumped a little. "That is all? I thought there might be bigger news than that. You are coming with us to keep him company as he sails me home, are you not? That is not among the traditional courtship activities."

"Elsa," Emma said warningly.

"Emma, I want to see you happy. And with him around you never have smiled brighter. Surely your parents must see that too. Your father was a shepherd. He's hardly a man of proper nobility himself."

Pulling another book toward her, Emma began to thumb through the pages, waiting for that sigh that said Elsa was giving up on her questions. It didn't come. "I love him," she said simply. "And as for my parents. My mother is being most understanding and my father got to know him much more during the time in the…"

"Your father does seem much more amiable to him now," she conceded, her eyes dancing again over her next question. "And when you two are on your walks, what do you discuss?"

"Elsa, it's private."

The queen pouted prettily, crossing her arms over her chest. "I would tell you, if I were being courted. You don't have to give me details of every word…"

"We," Emma said, brushing a page aside without really reading it, "We talk about everything. The weather, his adventures, Henry, my life at the palace, the future…" She bit her lip. "Mostly about the future…"

"I'm happy for you, Emma." She ran a finger over the neckline of her soft blue gown. "While not as intriguing as the subject of your captain, I do wonder if it is wise that you leave on the ship to return me home. Are you not needed here?"

It was not as though Emma had not thought the same things. She felt guilty to be planning for a voyage with her son, her friend, and her love when there were still so many questions about the Dark One and how to handle the situation of Regina. Yet even her mother had declared that it was necessary to return Elsa to her throne and relieve the younger of the sisters of the duty. While they were still contemplating how to best travel to Camelot, it was not a dire situation. The Dark One was contained and Regina had been removed from her magic before. Emma told her friend as much. "There are so many preparations to be done in terms of going to this Camelot that it does not make sense to put life on hold now to do it. You are needed at home. And my parents say they will spend the time of the voyage learning more about this other kingdom and getting us all ready to go there."

"I will miss you," Elsa said when the case had been made. "You must promise to visit again."

"I think I would not be able to stay away."

***AAA***

Robin patted the horse heartily, his breathing a bit labored from the ride that he and Killian had taken with David. It had been an impromptu jaunt, the king had called it, but a lengthy one that threatened not to get them back before dark if they were not careful.

"For a pirate you sit a good mount," Robin said, squinting up at the still seated Killian. "I would not think you would have much experience at it."

"All my pirating has not been limited to the sea. I rather think I am fearsome in any condition."

David, who was a few paces ahead of them, stretched his arms over his head and then turned to his two traveling companions. "My wife may have pardoned you, Captain Jones, but I don't think it wise to mouth off your exploits in front of your king and the father of the woman you have said you wish to marry."

Steadying himself on the saddle horn with his hook, Killian swung his leg over and jumped to the ground effortlessly. "Mate, I do believe we said that my intentions toward your daughter were honorable and not at all related to my pirating."

David did not correct or chastise the man, instead squinting into the distance. "If we hurry, we might see this estate and still make it back in time to beat the dark home."

"And whose estate would that be?" Robin asked, falling in line a few steps to the left of the king. "I know of no noblemen in this area."

"There hasn't been for years that I can remember," Killian said, running his hand along the curve of his hook as he thought and walked. "Last I heard the only estate was being argued over by two brothers while the magistrate tarried over a decision about it. Rather large place, if I recall."

David did not answer either man as he kicked open the gate and led them down an overgrown path to a house that seemed neglected but serviceable. "It has not been occupied in some time," he said, opening the door and stepping inside. Dust danced in the air and sheets of muslin covered the furniture pieces that remained. "It would take some work."

"Aye, it is appears that no one has attended to it in some time." Killian followed the floor to a steep staircase and peered upward toward the darkened second floor. "I would think it could be restored by a knowledgeable woodworker and crew. I have one on my ship I might recommend upon our return."

Robin had not made it past the side door where they had entered, his eyes reddening with the dust and allergens that assaulted him. "You mean for your daughter to live in such a place?" he asked, confused by the king's interest in such a place. "Or Graham? Has he proposed to that barmaid Red?"

David kneeled at the fireplace and gave the chimney a cursory glance. It had been years since he had seen one like it, as the ones at the palace were larger and had a staff to light them. This place too could have a small staff if appropriately outfitted. "I was thinking of you and Regina with your son. While I would not think to hurt my daughter by saying so in front of her, I know that this situation with Henry will require us all to make sacrifices. The boy will have two mothers in his heart for all times. So it is unlikely that a traditional home life would be possible."

Killian slid his boot off the bottom step and clenched his jaw as he stared at the royal. "You don't mean for Henry to live with…"

"I mean for him to be able to visit them as he wishes. While Regina has the lands she was bequeathed by her late husband originally, I thought this might be of more use to you all. And as Robin has already agreed to head a new branch of my guards, the family will be needing a place to call their own. He's got the aim of a sentry and the strategy of some of my top soldiers. I think it will be a good and proper fit."

"And your daughter is approving of this? I would think she would like Regina as far away as possible?" Robin took a tentative step inside and then rocked back unsure of himself. "She can't possibly…"

"My daughter is not unkind or uncaring, Robin. I assure you that she has already agreed to this arrangement."

***AAA***

"You are taking him away?" Regina asked as Emma emerged from the wing of the palace that included the room that the boys were using for play. The former queen looked like a woman in an odd sort of mourning with the black silk and crepe dress that cinched her waist spectacularly. Her dark hair shone in its severe twist. "You cannot deny it. I saw the stewards with the trunks."

Emma dropped her head vaguely toward Elsa. "I will join you shortly."

The blonde queen icily stared at Regina, holding her gaze for a moment before retreating. It was only then that Emma spun to face Regina. "He is my son, Regina. And I have arranged for him to accompany me on the trip to return Elsa to her kingdom. I think that it will be good for him to see more than just this kingdom."

"You think it would be good to separate him from me. I'm the only mother he has ever known."

"I am his actual mother," Emma said firmly, her arms twitching to fold at her waist. "I am going to enjoy a voyage with my son. You will have the privilege of seeing him upon our return by month's end."

Regina seethed, her fingers flexing as if she wanted to unleash some magical fury. "I won't allow it."

"You have no choice in the matter," Emma said. "I am making sacrifices, but I won't be held hostage here because you fear that I am so reckless as to turn my son against the woman who has raised him. My friend, Elsa, must return to her kingdom to attend to her own affairs of state. Killian has graciously agreed to transport her and I am taking my son along for the adventure. I owe you no explanation further."

Regina's voice bellowed loudly in the halls of the palace. "Your pirate should not be around my son."

"Killian adores Henry and my son is just as happy with Killian. I hardly think that it is inappropriate for them to spend time together given that Killian and I are together."

"He's a pirate with a hook for a hand, of course Henry adores him. He sees danger and excitement, but the pirate is no father figure."

"You are married to a former but still notorious thief. That is different?"

"Robin may have stolen when necessary, but he did not murder, rape, or ruin the lives of men and women for however ungodly long he's been alive. Is that really the kind of man you want around your son, someone who could once he is done with you, kill you both with a flick of his hook?"

"You have no privilege to say anything of the sort," Emma declared, spinning away from the woman who had threatened her family far too many times to count. "And I will choose this once to ignore your blatant disregard for that fact with the reminder that my decision to not send you away with no contact to or from Henry has been made in the faith that Henry does love you. It should not be taken as my desire to enter into any sort of partnership or agreement. I will be raising my son as I should have been afforded the honor of doing all along. That is to say without interference from you."

She did not wait to hear what Regina might say in response. Instead, she hurried away to ensure that the few travel arrangements she still needed to make while waiting for Killian's crew to reassemble were ready. She didn't want to think about a life without Killian or one where she might have to choose between the man she had finally admitted she loved or her son who was with her at last. Both seemed answers to prayers.

She felt her eyes fill with tears, wondering if she was already failing at motherhood because she was planning to raise her son in the company of a pirate. She did not even see her father coming from the opposite direction until she felt his solid chest as she bumped into him.

"Emma, are you alright?"

She nodded her head, not wanting to let her voice betray her with words at that moment. But as she did, she felt the tremble of her lips and the saltiness of the tears. Feeling all that of three years old, she launched herself into her father's arms and sobbed into the fur around his collar.

"What has he said to you?" David asked, his left hand rubbing up and down her arm. "What did that pirate do?"

She pulled back her head and blinked at him. "Nothing, Killian said nothing. I have not…I have not seen him."

"Then who hurt you?" She realized that his right hand had dropped to the hilt of his sword, as if he might charge after whosoever hurt his darling girl. "Emma, tell me."

In broken sentences she told him of Regina's demand.

"She has no say in the matter," David said, looking relieved and still angry at the same time. "She is lucky that we have not pursued what she knew of Henry when the Dark One gave him to her."

"You don't think…"

"No, I do not, but I also know that you are not the one at fault here. Captain Hoo…Killian has more than proven himself as a friend and ally to this family. Should the two of you marry, I see no reason for concern in him taking on the role of a father in Henry's life should he continue along the right path. So far as we know, Baelfire will not or cannot return here."

"You were ready to accuse him of hurting me." Emma pulled back from her father and frowned, her arms crossing and folding in front of her lemon yellow and white dress. "You don't trust him. Not really."

"Emma, I saw…"

"No, just be plain with it. You don't trust him. You are simply waiting for him to fail so that you may gloat at my heartbreak."

***AAA***

The palace, as Killian had learned, was never completely quiet or dark. It suited him in that way, reminding him of the Jolly Roger and the constant barrage to his senses. So as he sat before the waning fire that the servants insisted upon lighting for him instead of letting him do it himself, he was not surprised to have to ignore the scampering of feet overhead or the muted conversations below as servants came and left from their shifts. He was surprised with the small tapping at his door and the unannounced visit from Emma.

She launched herself at him as if they had not parted just a little while before. They had foregone their normal walk about to sit in one of the downstairs parlors and play a card game with her younger brother and son. It was far from the rowdiness of his years of tavern hopping and drunken debauchery, but he loved to see her smile and laugh as he imagined she must have done as a child. However, on that night she had not been very happy. Putting off his concern, she had hid behind soft grins that never reached her eyes and words that seemed to be laced with other meaning.

"I missed you," she said when she yanked her mouth away from his and attempted to set herself to rights without the aid of her maid or even a mirror.

"Highly improper to receive a princess in my bed chamber, love, but I will not send you away." He was teasing her on the propriety issue, having been schooled by Snow on proper etiquette after kissing Emma in sight of many of the guests.

She threw her lips against his again, a desperation there that was usually more of a passion and desire than unabashed need. His response was echoing, but he kept his hand at her shoulder, as if ready to push her back if required. That's what he had to do when she began to tug at the buttons of his shirt. "Emma?"

"I…I just need…" She shook her head and tried to pull him to her again, the hands messily attempting to push away the fabric. "Please, Killian. Please."

Craning his neck back, he drank in the sight of her pleading with him and nearly melted on the spot. It would be a lie to say he had not imagined her in his bed with the same wanton spirit about her. His dreams had echoed the same pleading tone as he mapped out every inch of her and ravaged her with the intent of claiming her as his own. Yet he had resisted, sometimes almost failing, as he wanted her to know that he was not lacking in patience or restraint. "Emma, my love, I don't wish to send you away, but what brought this on?"

"I…" She ran her palms over the planes of his chest, the fabric of his tunic soft and thin. It was dark in color, but not his normal black, something she had meant to inquire about before. "I need you, Killian. I need you to…" She broke off, her eyes fluttering shut as she inhaled slowly.

"My love, if I am able, I will do most anything for you. What is it that you are asking of me?"

She did not raise her eyes, keeping them trained on the lacey inset of her gown and the way it did not lay exactly against her skin. "You love me. I know you do, for you have said so and practically given away all that you loved in your life so that you might be with me. It is not that I don't trust in that. I do." She paused, breathing in sharply and feeling quite lost in her own words. "And I love you far more than I could have ever dreamed possible."

Bending his knees, he stooped down so that he might see her eyes. It was a simple gesture that seemed to show even more respect for her autonomy than lifting her chin and forcing her to look at him. "Whatever is bothering you cannot be so bad as to cause this state?" Keeping her still in the circle of his arms, he nodded toward the fireplace and the settee in front of it that was miniscule in comparison to her own sitting room furniture. "Perhaps this might be easier if we were to sit for a while. This old pirate's legs are still a bit tired from such a long ride today."

She nodded, letting him guide her toward the fireplace. "You didn't tell me about your adventure. Where did you go?"

"There will be time for that," he assured her, welcoming her back to his embrace after they sat. He couldn't help smiling as she practically sat in his lap she was so close to him. "I would much rather hear what is troubling you so that we might remedy it."

She finally did tell him, the words not easily spilled and her shyness in avoiding his eyes evidence that she did not want to see him feel the pain of her family's seeming distrust of him still. "I don't know why we must pretend to follow their rules when they have shown no respect for us.

"And you think that giving ourselves over to our passions would somehow remedy their misgivings?"

She wrinkled her nose. "I suppose that sounds quite silly. I do love you, Killian. I want to be with you. I suppose I am…I am tired of pretending that I am some pure and sanctified princess as they seem to want to treat me. You have done nothing to impugn my reputation, but people do assume."

His thumb stroked the high apple of her cheek. "Emma, I am far from sainthood myself. And I have had more impure thoughts of you than a man should, especially about a princess whose father could lob my head off for even looking at you the way that I wish. It has been a struggle, but I am trying to meet the challenge."

"I have them too," she admitted boldly before snuggling into his side. "Thoughts, I mean. About you."

He did not force her to face him as she admitted that, appreciating that it was hardly an easy confession. Still he couldn't help but appreciate her willingness and soft assurance that she was very much a woman in love. "Do you now, lass? I think I should like to hear them."

"Killian," she complained. "I…"

"Emma, my love, I would not object to making love to you right now. I simply don't want that to happen if you are only trying to erase the doubts that Regina and your father put into your mind. I should think that our coming together should be about us and our desire, and even our inability to hold back from such things any longer, not about them."

The breath she was holding expelled through her nose, tickling the skin exposed near his chest and throat. "At least my mother seems to like you."

"Aye, and your father was quite companionable today. He seemed to have resigned himself to the idea of our being together. Their approval is important to you."

He could not see her frown as she stayed with her cheek on his shoulder, but he could feel her tense. "I wish that it wasn't, but it is. I suppose that is part of being a princess, wanting to win the love and approval of your people, including my parents. I feel that I have disappointed them in the past."

He let her admit that without interruption, waiting until her hiccupped breath indicated that she had no more strength to say more. "If they are holding such disappointment over you, then that is their failure. For all I see when I look upon you is a woman with a beautiful heart and a strength that could best even my most well-meaning crew. Should I ply you with compliments until you begin to believe them yourself?"

"It's not necessary," she said, relaxing a bit in his arms. She lifted her head in search of his lips, which he readily gave her. It was a slow kiss, lips parting and tongues softly exploring as they held each other. When they finally parted, he saw the sadness in her eyes was not fully gone, but it was diminished.

"Then let me tell you of your father's adventure today." He explained about the estate and remarked that it did seem a bit below the station Regina would probably prefer. "I can't imagine her carrying water in from the well by herself. Perhaps the servants' quarters might be expanded before they take possession."

"It is not too far away for Henry to visit, should he wish?"

"No, and as the lad grows, he'll be able to do so by horse without too much trouble at all. It's a lovely little journey. And if your mother is still of mind, she will have your boy astride a good steed alone by the time his feet may reach the stirrups. I gather it is one of the few things she has in common with her stepmother, both are skilled and talented horsewomen."

"Mother saw to it that I had a specially fitted saddle for my fifth birthday. It was something she enjoyed and provided me too. We used to have our best talks as she taught me to ride about the palace lands. Johanna would complain that it was improper for me to ride anyway but side saddle, but mother was not as strict. She would ride properly until we were out of sight and then we would race to the pond or the flower meadow. Mama can be very competitive."

"Aye, I can sense that about her. Perhaps we might take a ride ourselves and let you show me about these grounds. Your mother suggested that I might have some opinion on a horse for your lad. I told her I was more of a seaman, but she insisted."

"I'd like that," Emma said, rolling her lips inward. "I would like to stay here with you while longer, if you would allow."

***AAA***

The morning light was softly muted coming through the window of Killian's room, but he barely noticed it through his bleary eyes. Emma had stayed with him that night, shuddering at the thought the two times he had asked her if she would like to go back to her suite. He couldn't say that all was proper and in accord with her parents' wishes, but he had been reluctant to let her go. When they had spoken of their last thoughts, he had found himself carrying her to the soft bed that had to be half the size of her own. She had smiled at the sweet way he ensured she was warmly snug under the blankets and immediately curled herself into him without reservation. They had slept side by side before, but the bed and privacy was more intimate than the hard forest floor with Red, Graham, and the king nearby.

She was not as delicately inclined in her sleep, half her body trapping him against the mattress with her leg and upper body splayed across him. Soft moans of contentment had filled his ears as they had in the cover of darkness touched and explored as they had rarely been afforded the opportunity.

"You're awake," she muttered, drawing herself closer to him. "You should be sleeping."

"You are quite bossy in the morning," he teased, not bothering to move. "Is this something I have to look forward to each morning, you declaring when it is appropriate to wake and carry on the duties of the day?"

She propped her head up on her hand and looked at him earnestly. "You must be up early on your ship? I have heard that sailors often rise before dawn."

"Aye, that is the life of a man at sea, but my crew tends to be on duty before me. Being a captain offers that privilege at least. Perhaps that is something we might use to our advantage when we take our voyage?"

She considered this as she drew her fingers down his chest. "I think Red might object."

"Perhaps or perhaps she might be more understanding than you have imagined." He shifted beneath her, groaning with those early morning tight muscles. "She is quite fair minded when she wants to be."

She dropped her head back down and sighed. "Can I not stay here forever?"

"I would not object, but I suppose your father and mother would. And your maid must already be scandalized if she has brought you breakfast and found your bed untouched."

Emma was about to tell him that she had left her bed downturned and the blankets rumpled when she heard the sentry nearest the gate calling out for the alarm. Soon after bells rang and shouts could be heard from all directions. Emma and Killian both jumped from the bed and hurried to the window.

"What are they bloody shouting about?" Killian asked, his eyes squinting into the dimly lit entry way. "I don't recognize that call."

"Someone…it is the alarm of an escape…" Emma reached for her dress, having slept in her undergarments rather than the gown from the night before. "I have to check on Henry."

Killian nodded, putting himself to rights too, including refastening his brace and attaching the hook to it. "I will go with you."

Giving up on trying to lace up her dress alone, Emma relied upon her magic to look more presentable. He was at her heels as she raced through the corridors toward the room where he son should be still asleep. Though his legs are longer than hers, she knew the layout better. Neither spoke of their worry that it was Rumpelstiltskin who had managed to escape, but the images of the impish grin and indifferent way he would wield his magic to the tune of maniacal laughter played in their minds.

The guard posted at the doorway to the corridor where all three of the boys slept was alert and at the ready. Emma paused only briefly. "He's…The boys are alright."

"Yes, your highness," he said, his eyes shifting to where others of his regiment were dashing off to answer the call of the alarm. "I have checked myself. The governess is inside."

Emma nodded mutely and pushed her way through the heavy door. Killian realized she only breathed out when she saw the sandy haired figure of her son sleeping there with one arm hanging off the bed and his legs drawn up as though he wished to be even smaller. She dropped at her son's side and kissed his temple gently so not to wake him. And while she said nothing aloud, Killian was almost certain that she said a silent prayer of thanks that her son was there with them still.

He approached slowly and knelt next to her, his handless arm at her back. "I will leave you with him and go see if your father might need my help in finding the Dark One. I have been on a quest to find him for some time and know his habits well."

"The Dark One?" the shaking voice of Johanna asked, emerging from the dark shadows of the room with her hands wringing in distress. "He has not escaped."

"Then who are the alarms for if not for a prisoner escaping?" Killian asked as Emma stared in horror at the woman who had helped to raise her. "There is no other who would be of that much danger."

Johanna hung her head a bit, not used to speaking so plainly or delivering news to one of the royals. "The former queen," she managed to say. "She was able to steal the dagger from the belfry where it was supposed to be protected. She was seen by the sentry riding away."

Emma pushed herself up to standing and took a step away from the bed. "Why? Why would she do that? The dagger is of very little use as more than a simple blade without the Dark One to control with it."

"I do not know, milady. I just do not know."